25/07/07
Akon, the multi millionaire Senegalese-American hip hop, singer and record producer paid Operation Reclaim a surprise visit on 25/07/07. Akon set up the Konfidence Foundation, a charity which helps underpriviledged children in Africa, and is interested in work being done around the world to help children and young people.He himself and many of his entourage come from deprived backgrounds and are keen to encourage young people to choose alternative roads in an effort to avoid becoming involved in criminality and to make something of their lives. Akon was told about Operation Reclaim which is now running in 5 areas in the North of Glasgow, shown a DVD about the project and what it has and hopes to achieve, and was so impressed that he asked to meet with the participants.
At Akon's request, the visit was very low key, with the emphasis of the visit being on the children and young people who are involved with operation Reclaim. The only media invitation went out to The Springburn Herald who were delighted to be able to interview the singer.
On arrival Akon immediately made his way onto the playing fields where he chatted with kids before donning a whistle and refereeing a game of football! He then invited all the kids into the youth centre where he and his DJ answered many of their questions including which tartan they preferred..blue or green! Having posed for photographs and happily signed countless autographs, Akon and his posse left, leaving a star struck Operation Reclaim behind him.
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